Member

The Welsh Government’s child-first approach to youth justice ensures that we centre the individual needs of children in, or at risk of entering, the judicial system, rather than assuming a service-based approach. In Wales there has been a sharp and sustained decline in first-time entrants into the criminal justice system over the last 15 years; that is testament to the effectiveness of this preventive approach. It is also a reflection of the commitment, resilience and compassion of youth justice professionals, who work tirelessly to improve outcomes for children in conflict with the law. There is plenty of evidence for the beneficial outcomes that the devolution of youth justice could bring. As the noble Baroness pointed out, our UK Labour Government have a manifesto commitment to explore the devolution of youth justice, for which this amendment calls.